TCC Reenacts Final Holes Of The 1913 U.S. Open
/You never know how these things might go over, but I heard through the grapevine that The Country Club's Saturday, September 20 re-enactment of Francis Ouimet's upset-for-the-ages was an extraordinary day.
Celebrating the 100-year anniversary to the day Ouimet won the U.S. Open, about 250 spectators watched as three golfers played the final four holes based on newspaper accounts of where Ouimet, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray played shots from. TCC members John Deane, Scott Dabney and Robert Manice played the roles of the golfing greats.
The re-creation was played with wood-shafted golf clubs from the early 1900's, and with golf balls designed to repeat the performance of balls from that era; the drives of all three players averaged in excess of 200 yards.
After Ouimet parred the 18th hole, the same post-match speeches delivered by the players and USGA Secretary John Reid, Jr. in 1913 were again delivered on the steps of the clubhouse porch. A copy of the same U.S. Open trophy (provided by the USGA) was again presented to the unlikely winner—the 20-year-old amateur and former caddie from across the street, Francis Ouimet.
And how cool is this:
The re-creation of the playoff's closing holes was part of a larger centenary celebration of Ouimet's historic triumph; during the day at The Country Club, no vehicles newer than 1913 were on the property (the vintage cars included a Model T and a Packard), horse-and-carriages were used, a bi-plane flew over during play on the 16th green, and a herd of sheep (the original lawnmowers in the game of golf and at The Country Club), were also present.
A few photos. Note the gallery outfits and Eddie Lowery on the bag:
**Some of the reenactment will be on In Play With Jimmy Roberts, which first airs September 24 at 10:30 ET.
